Chapter 138 - 121: Plotting
Although "Wang Quan" was somewhat displeased by what he saw as Wei He’s "time-wasting" actions, his current public identity was that of the other man’s servant.
He naturally had to do whatever his master commanded.
He couldn’t—and wouldn’t dare—voice any objections.
’This neighboring courtyard has been investigated before. There were no clues inside; it probably has nothing to do with this family.’
"Well, if it isn’t Martial Scholar Fang! I didn’t expect to run into you here today. What a coincidence. And Bai is here as well. It seems fate has brought us together."
As Wei He stepped through the main gate, he saw Fang Yue and Bai Xingqiu drinking tea and chatting.
They were all Martial Scholars from the same examination year, so they had naturally met several times. Besides, they had all previously rejected the County Magistrate’s summons together.
It was a shame that his proposal for them to become sworn brothers had been rejected at the time.
It had been a huge loss of face for him. On top of that, he later heard that Fang Yue’s progress in the Martial Dao was quite fast; just a short while ago, it seemed he had even reached the Marrow Transformation Pass.
This filled Wei He with even greater jealousy. He had already achieved Great Success in Bone Forging but was still struggling to break through to Marrow Transformation.
But he was, after all, a scion of a prominent family.
Now, his father was even scheming to have him directly appointed as an official on the basis of his Martial Scholar status.
It wouldn’t be easy, but if it succeeded, he would be the first of their cohort of Martial Scholars to hold a true official post.
Wouldn’t that put him head and shoulders above the rest?
’Why practice the martial arts? Isn’t it all for the sake of becoming an official?’
’So what if your cultivation is higher than mine right now? Once I have an official post, I’ll be able to receive higher-grade Secret Medicine from the imperial court. Then my cultivation speed is sure to catch up to yours, and even surpass it.’
At this thought, a faint trace of contempt crept into Wei He’s eyes as he looked at the two of them. He hid it well, however, maintaining his humble and courteous demeanor.
"I didn’t expect you to visit, Wei. My humble home is currently under construction, so it’s not very convenient for hosting guests."
Fang Yue was surprised; he hadn’t expected this man to show up.
But as the saying goes, you don’t hit a smiling face. Wei He hadn’t done anything wrong, so Fang Yue couldn’t just throw him out. He could only drop a subtle hint.
"Heh, it’s no trouble, no trouble at all. I heard you have a Tea Garden, Fang. My Wei Family is interested in cooperating with you. We are willing to purchase all the tea from your garden at thirty percent above the market price. What do you say, Fang?"
Having said his piece, Wei He waited for Fang Yue’s response.
’Thirty percent above market price is a huge concession. I doubt anyone in all of Xiahe County Town, other than my Wei Family, would offer such a high price.’
’Besides, I’ve heard the Tea Garden has run into some trouble.’
’Given the circumstances, he’ll probably have trouble selling the tea at all, let alone at a premium.’
’The fact that the Wei Family is willing to pay extra and isn’t afraid of the trouble shows more than enough sincerity.’
"Wei, I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The tea from the garden already has a buyer," Fang Yue said.
Wei He froze, not having expected Fang Yue to refuse so decisively.
’Looks like this fellow doesn’t know how to appreciate a favor. In that case, I’ll just wait until his Tea Garden is seized by someone else. We’ll see if Fang Yue regrets this then.’
"Heh, is that so? In that case, I won’t impose any longer. Farewell."
With that, Wei He rose crisply to his feet and departed.
A few moments later,
Seeing that Fang Yue was still gazing toward the main gate, Bai Xingqiu said teasingly,
"Hey, he’s long gone. What’s wrong? Heartbroken over that thirty percent in silver? Want me to call him back for you?"
Fang Yue shook his head but didn’t reply.
Instead, a question formed in his mind. ’That man with Wei He just now... I think his name was Wang Quan. Have I seen him somewhere before?’
’But I’m sure this is the first time I’ve ever seen his face. Why do I have this strange sense of familiarity?’
~~~~~~
「Two days later.」
A few miles outside the gates of Xiahe County Town.
"Fang, don’t see me off any further. You’re so hospitable I can hardly bear to leave. And don’t worry, I won’t forget about that other matter. I’ll talk to my cousin as soon as I get back."
"Rest assured, she always listens to me. It’s a sure thing."
Bai Xingqiu looked thrilled. On the one hand, he truly didn’t want to go back; on the other, he was eager to return.
He didn’t want to go back because it meant meeting the local girls his parents had lined up for him. But he did want to go back so he could introduce his cousin to Fang Yue.
’Hmm, if this works out, then he won’t be able to beat me anymore.’
"Enough, enough! Can we please drop it?"
Fang Yue’s face darkened. He had no idea what had gotten into the chubby fellow these past few days, who was constantly bringing the matter up.
He kept going on and on about how beautiful his cousin was, how well-read and courteous, and what a perfect match she would be.
It left Fang Yue at a loss, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He felt utterly helpless.
"I get it, I get it. I’ve been there."
The chubby fellow snickered, wearing an expression that clearly said, ’I know exactly what you’re thinking.’
He had such a smug grin that Fang Yue felt the urge to punch him.
"Just go, get going." Fang Yue waved his hands dismissively, shooing him away.
"Alright, then! Just wait patiently for my good news, Fang!"
The chubby fellow just laughed, not the least bit annoyed. He squeezed his horse’s flanks and prepared to ride off.
~~~~~~
Meanwhile, several miles outside the city.
Fang Hu and his son sat on horseback, gazing at the city they had been away from for many days, a wave of emotion washing over him.
After years of struggle, he had finally been granted an official post.
A lifelong wish had been fulfilled, albeit in a roundabout way.
"Heh heh, if it isn’t Captain Fang himself up ahead! Truly majestic and awe-inspiring. Just what you’d expect from the fierce general who charged in and out of the Mo Mountain battlefield seven times!"